Justice reform needed now to protect human rights and dignity
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body (ATSIEB) is deeply concerned by the ACT Supreme Court’s finding that an Aboriginal woman was subjected to an illegal strip search at the Alexander Maconochie Centre in 2021.
This incident highlights the systemic failures of the justice system to protect the dignity, safety and human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The strength, resilience and courage shown by this woman in holding the system to account – supported by community leaders – is remarkable. Her actions shine a light on the lived reality of too many Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander women and must drive urgent change.
Chairperson Maurice Walker said, ‘This incident is yet another devastating example of how the justice system continues to fail Aboriginal people – especially our women. The illegal strip search of an Aboriginal woman in custody is not just a breach of protocol, it is a violation of her dignity, her rights, and her humanity. These are not isolated events. They are symptoms of a system that is structurally unsafe for our people. We need urgent reform, not just apologies.’
ATSIEB acknowledges the ruling of the ACT Supreme Court and the calls from the ACT Human Rights Commissioner for urgent human rights training within the correctional system. However, training alone is not enough.
For real change to happen, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices must be at the centre of reform. Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), as trusted leaders and the voice of community, must lead the design of solutions that are safe, culturally responsive and grounded in human rights.
We invite deeper engagement from the ACT Government to draw on our communities’ knowledge, resilience and experience to design community-led approaches that are not only lawful, but culturally safe and trauma informed.
Governments also have a responsibility under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap to meet the Priority Reforms, including transforming government organisations so they are culturally safe, responsive and accountable. The ACT must demonstrate leadership by embedding these commitments in justice policies and practices, ensuring systems work better for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
ATSIEB stands ready to work with government, service providers and, most importantly, our ACCOs and the broader community to create pathways that keep our people safe, uphold human rights and ensure our systems reflect the values of respect, fairness and justice.
Crisis support services
If this has raised concerns for you or someone you know, support is available:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support line 13YARN – 13 92 76
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
- Headspace – 1800 650 890
